Research Issues

Campaign surveyed 62 of its senior scientists for their views and experiences of careers in medical research and to identify their key priorities for science and research in the UK. We wanted to find out what they thought needed to be done to attract people into a career in research and keep them there.

The results make up part of a key publication ‘Science for Life’, in which Campaign has developed recommendations and actions to address these key priorities and take the debate on medical research careers forward.

Among the findings:

Nearly half (49 per cent) thought that conditions and prospects had got worse or significantly worse, with competition for funding cited as the main reason

60 per cent of respondents felt the level of pay was not reflective, or not at all reflective, of their work or achievements and fared badly in comparison with other professions

Many scientists believe their work is important but the value of what they do goes largely unnoticed by the public. Indeed, while 75 per cent rated their work as either important or very important to society, only 41 per cent felt the public agreed with them

Campaign is calling for the status of medical researchers to be raised by offering better education, training, career progression and job security. Salaries which reflect the value of the contribution of medical research to society plus well resourced research facilities would help.

To download this document, click below:

research-issues.pdf (388kb)

Support in Westminster

‘Science for Life’ has been warmly received within the Houses of Parliament, and continues to gather support for its findings and recommendations. At the time of its launch, last March, Dr Ian Gibson MP lodged Early Day Motion (EDM) 1134, which called on the Government to address the concerns raised in the report.

With support coming from Members from all three of the parties, the EDM currently has over 100 signatures.

For more information about ‘Science for Life’ email policy@breastcancercampaign.org